THE Republic of Ireland have confirmed that Damien Duff will definitely be going to Nigeria for theWorld under-20 Championships in April - against the wishes of Blackburn Rovers.

It will mean Duff missing several crucial games which could include an FA Cup semi-final.

But, while Rovers said today that they will continue to fight the decision, it looks as though all the cards are in the hands of the Football Association of Ireland.

After Duff was named man of the match for a brilliant performance in the senior Irish side's 2-0 win over Paraguay in Dublin last night, his selection for the youth squad was confirmed.

Bernard O'Brien, of the FAI, said: "We don't qualify too often for World Cups, so our policy is to send our strongest squad at all times."

He did admit, however, that there could be criticism of FIFA for holding the tournament at such a crucial stage of domestic seasons and of the venue.

And Irish boss Mick McCarthy even questioned what players like Duff or Robbie Keane might learn from playing in a youth competition. "But the decision is not mine, it is a policy decision," he said. Rovers secretary Tom Finn said: "We know the decision of the FAI but that doesn't mean we accept it. We have been making representations and we are consulting with other clubs involved to see what other avenues are open to us if any.

"We recognise it is a FIFA tournament but we are not just going to give up on this as easily as that."

Wolves, Everton and Leeds are also going to be hit by the loss of key players and there is a strong feeling that, like England, the Irish should not call up players for a youth tournament when they have already graduated to the senior ranks.

Jason McAteer also played well against Paraguay last night, while Jason Wilcox picked up his second England cap, going on for the last five minutes as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat by France.

Wilcox linked up onfield again with England skipper Alan Shearer, who will return to Newcastle's side to face Rovers in Sunday's FA Cup tie after serving a one-match suspension.

Ironically, Wilcox misses the Tyneside tie, as he begins a three-match ban.

Shearer said: "It's a home tie and we are expected to win, the onus is on us.

"But it will not be easy, even though we are playing well and our confidence is sky high."

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